Unlocking Geothermal Energy: Transforming the Caribbean's Energy Landscape

Introduction

The Eastern Caribbean's charming islands are famous not just for their beauty, but also for their energy issues. Fossil fuels have long been used to power their electricity infrastructures, a dependency that has both financial and environmental ramifications. However, the tide is turning as these islands seek to harness their geothermal potential to attain energy independence and reduce CO2 emissions. This article looks at the potential of geothermal energy in the Eastern Caribbean, as well as the creative ways being attempted to discover and harness this renewable resource.

Current Energy Landscape

In 2021, the Eastern Caribbean islands' energy balance was substantially biased toward fossil fuels. Renewable energy accounted for only 10% or less of most islands' energy supply. Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Dominica were exceptions, with renewable energy levels of 33.7%, 25%, and 25%, respectively. This reliance on fossil fuels not only costs money, but also contributes to the region's high greenhouse gas emissions.

The Role of Geothermal Energy

Renewable energy development is critical for reducing energy dependency and carbon emissions. Geothermal energy, particularly in volcanic locations, offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The Eastern Caribbean islands, with their volcanic origins and periodic volcanic activity, provide an ideal site for collecting geothermal energy. This type of energy, which is obtained from subsurface heat sources, holds the key to lowering emissions and reaching energy independence.

Geothermal Energy in the Caribbean Context

Geothermal energy occurs in various forms, with "high enthalpy" geothermal energy serving as the primary source of electricity generation. Temperatures within the rock on volcanic islands can exceed 100 degrees Celsius, making it possible to generate power to depths of around one kilometer.

Despite the promise, geothermal resource extraction remains underdeveloped. In the Eastern Caribbean, there is only one functioning geothermal power plant: the Bouillante facility in Guadeloupe, which was built in 1986. It supplies about 6-7% of the island's energy mix, with a capacity of 15 megawatts.

Innovative Approaches: Geothermal Exploration in the Caribbean

The island of , Guadeloupe , ADEME (The French Agency for Ecological Transition), BRGM (Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières) , and OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States ) are leading the way in geothermal exploration innovation. The goal is the creation of geophysical imaging techniques that are adapted to the specific characteristics of the Caribbean, such as urban closeness, mountainous terrain, and ocean presence. The participating islands of the Eastern Caribbean can draw lessons and apply them efficiently to reduce carbon emissions in this part of the world.

Initially focusing on the well-known Bouillante field, the study effectively proved the utility of these novel methodologies in comparison to traditional procedures. Following that, the research was expanded to characterize the undersea Bouillante field, which had previously been unreachable using traditional approaches.

The project produced a thorough understanding of the structure of the Bouillante reservoir, both onshore and offshore, through simultaneous data collecting and analysis on land and sea. The success of these efforts paves the path for similar investigations to be conducted on other Caribbean islands, improving the assessment of their geothermal potential.

Conclusion

The islands of the Eastern Caribbean are embarking on a transformative journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. By tapping into their geothermal resources, the islands are not only diversifying their energy mix but also spearheading a movement to combat climate change. The innovative geothermal exploration methods developed in collaboration offer a blueprint for other regions to unlock the potential of their renewable resources. As the Caribbean islands harness the heat beneath their feet, they're illuminating a path towards a greener and more resilient energy landscape.